I am at a lose with my son undiagnosed learning disorder. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and I battled putting him on meds for a while but his grades where suffering badly and i was worried about that so after many visits with his dr i decided to try for the sake of his school work. It has helped some but not enough. He is in 6th grade and when he is writting he reverses letters or he will ask me mom does a "w" go up or down... of course the teachers do not see it and keep telling me that is not the case. When I got his progress report every comment said that he is very unorganized. I have had him evaluated by many different drs and the diagnosed him with ADHD and "undiagnosed" learning disorder and I said ok well lets find out what it is so we can help him and I was told that I would take to much time and money to find out. I could not believe what I heard. I am at a total loss and I feel so bad for him seeing him struggle. I have been trying to research it on my own but with no medical knowledge on it it is really tuff. I am wondering if anyone here has had something like this happen and if they have pin pointed the problem. Any ideals that may help would be wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to help us out.
It sounds like dyslexia. I can't believe with no child left behind that they are telling you it will take to much money. I wouldn't take that as an answer. Keep pushing for his testing, because if you don't fight for him, no one will.
Your school district is required to have a child study team--professionals who can help you. Go to the school, ask (demand, if necessary) to speak with someone from the team. Express your concerns, and make no secret of the fact that you are documenting the conversation (time, date, person's name, etc). It is your child's right to have the help he needs, and the school has to provide that help. Do not take 'no money' for an answer. If necessary, you can take it to the State Board of Education for intervention. You are not wrong--you are simply helping and protecting your son.
I work on a school child study team (the team that evaluates children and considers if they are eligible for special education services). It is your legal right to request that your child be looked at by the child study team. You do not need to demand anything...simply write a letter to your school principal requesting that your child be evaluated by the child study team. In the letter outline your concerns and make sure to include your son's diagnosis as well as any treatment you are currently doing for him. *In the letter you MUST clearly state that you are requesting for your child to be evaluated by the child study team.*
Please note that the child study team (CST)is not required to evaluate your child because of your letter. However, they are, by law, required to call a meeting to discuss your concerns. This is called an evaluation planning meeting. At this meeting you will meet with the CST (school psychologist, learning consultant, social worker and sometimes speech therapist). Your child's teacher will also be invited to attend. You will discuss your concerns and the teacher will be asked to share how your son is doing in class. The CST will most likely have already reviewed his standardized testing scores (for example, is he proficient or partially proficient on the NJASK) and report cards. At this meeting the team will determine whether or not an evaluation is warranted.
Please also note that a diagnosis alone of ADHD does not automatically make your child eligible for special education. The CST will need to be able to prove that his diagnosis of ADHD significantly impacts his learning.
The process can be long and confusing. So, please make sure that you write the letter as soon as possible. The CST has to meet with you within 20 school days from the receipt of your letter.
Also, at the initial meeting, make sure that you get your Parental Rights Handbook and also ask for a copy of the NJ Code. This will outline your rights through this process and the NJ Code will be able to show you the eligibility categories.
On a different note, if special education is found to not be necessary, but you still feel that your child needs modifications in school you could look into how to get him a 504 Accomodation Plan. This is a legal document that would outline modifications (i.e. more time to complete assignments, directions broken down in to smaller steps, seating closer to instruction, standardized testing in a smaller room, etc.). It is NOT special education and therefore does not include instruction by a special education teacher. Getting a 504 can also be difficult as the 504 Committee would also need to prove that his diagnosis of ADHD significantly impacts his educational performance.
Reversing letters is not ADHD, its dyslexia. Google it, its very real and very hard for kids to overcome. But very often dyslexic people are very bright. The teachers say he is disorganized and yet do nothing to help him? If he was blind would they help him? I think so. Have a conference with them, the special ed team and decide on a way to help him. You can also bring a special ed advocate with you. This is a parent that knows the rules. In NY they have what is called a 504 plan that outlines certain modifications for a child that doesnt qualify as special ed and this might be what your son needs.
My youngest is ADD and is allowed to keep his book, pens and notebook in each classroom, instead of in his locker. If he needs his book or notebook for homework the teacher reminds him before class to get it from his locker. This is the TEACHER's JOB!!! To help kids learn!! Not just learn ABC's, but to be organized or whatever else they need. If he can't read, then the school has to give him extra help, hopefully they have a special teacher on staff. You really dont need a label for your son's disorder, just help from professional educators to help him cope with it. By now he is probably very frustrated and thinks he is dumb. He MUST be encouraged, not DIScouraged, to succeed. Good luck and keep fighting
I would first like to ask have you had him evaluated by the child study team in your district? If not you need to do so, if you have and they have not picked up on anything then I would fight the evaluation and insist that they retest him. Perhaps a letter from your pediatrician stating his concerns would help. I own a preschool and have had a few children with such severe behavioral problems, emotional problems, and academic concerns, tested through our district and most times they will say there is nothing found. I had a friend who worked in the special services department of my school district tell me that at that time it cost the district over $60.000 per child to have them classified and put into special education programs. Therefore unless it is an extreme case they will normally not classify children. Bottom line is it cost to much money so they won't help you. This is where you have to be your son's advocate and fight like hell to get him the help he needs, and most importantly at no cost to you. There are places where you can go at your own cost and have him evaluated, and sometimes insurances will pay for it I am not sure how to go about it. I once had a little boy who was definitely autistic and his mom had to get attorney's on her own to fight the school system to provide him with an aid so he could be mainstreamed into the school system. This was because the facility they wanted to send him to was awful. She eventually won but had to put up a fight. I also had a little girl who was blind and although they provided her with an aid her mom had to fight for every book in braille, and learning aid for her daughter to be able to learn. If you know in your gut there is something preventing your son from learning do what you need to do. I know you are saying he has ADHD, however reversing letters sounds more like dyslexia. Good luck to you!!
Sounds to me like you are going to have to push to get more done... "it would take too much time and money to find out" is not a good enough answer!
Look into Education Connection- or another advocate in your area. They would be able to help you with resources and information. They may even be able to go to meetings at the school with you and help you fight for what your son needs.
I have a son with ADD, and he was diagnosed in 5th grade and is now in 9th grade. It took a lot of time, 3 different meds to finally figure what worked, but don't give up. The Hollowell (sp?) center is a terrific place to start. They have a very sympathetic and caring way of approaching and dealing with learning disorders. Until you know what you're dealing with, it will be very difficult to know how to handle it, and it will get increasing frustrating for your son. It does take time and money, but it's worth it.
I am a mom of 3 (15, 13, and 2) and started my own business, www.nomiebaby.com, but as most moms, if my kids aren't happy neither am I!
Has anyone suggested dyslexia? Dyslexia causes the individual to see letters and numbers upside down and backwords. I personally suffer from dyslexia and have been able to "train" my brain to some extent.
My brother has ADHD and besides getting diagnosed by the doctor the school also had him evaluated by the child study team which is free so they could place him in classes properly. I am now starting the process of having my daughter who just turned 5 evaluated for ADHD also since she is showing signs. The doctors don't want to take me seriously because of her age but the school will. You should call the board of ed to see about an evaluation. All towns are suppose to offer something like this to evaluate children for learning disabilities for free. It is all paid for through your school taxes. My brother was so sever with the ADHD that after the school evaluated him they told my parents that they couldn't provide the right education for him and enrolled him in a private school for children with different disabilities. He got such a better education and the best part was it was free. The town paid for it. Since they couldn't teach him properly they had to find a better situation for him. I hope this helps you. Good luck to you and if you have any further questions feel free to send me a message through her.
Hi there, I am sorry to hear it and I share in your frustration. I don't know what state you live in but here in NY, they have services through the Board of Education and they will evaluate (for free) and then if they identify a problem, they will set up special services. Depending on the case it could be placement in a special education class or tutoring. All this is paid for through them and it will help somewhat. Although my daughter has had these services I still have to get a tutor for her, paid by me just to keep her head above water. So stay on top of it don't give up. And many people have had learning problems and have managed to become very successful, including:JFK, Tom Cruise, Thomas Edison, Cher, Whoopi G, and many others. http://www.dyslexia-test.com/famous.html, good luck and don't give up. He needs you.
Check out the symptoms of dyslexia to see if it sounds like the same learning problems that your son is having.
Check out Wright's law on the internet, it's a great information site regarding your childs right to receive services from the school. Also, under law the school is obligated to provide a Comprehensive evaluation for learning disabilities and a free appropriate education.
Please google the Learning Disabilities Association of your state and contact them they can help you find resources.
My daughter has ADHD and dyslexia, If you live in CT I can provide you with a list of resources. Email me at [email protected].
Educational testing can be done by a neuropsycologist, or an education therapist, I have the names of a few. You can also call the local childrens hospital and colleges for information. Google Melissa Katz, academic therapist/reading therapist. Her web site is www.allfourlearning.com. Call her, she is very helpful, although I did not use her service, she provided me with alot of info. She is very nice.
By law the school system has to provide services under the IDEA law. You may need to hire an advocate, which is what I had to do, Advocates cost range between free to 50/hr to 75/hr depending on who you find.
I live in CT if you want more information or have any questions e-mail me at [email protected]
If your son does have dyslexia, he will need a systematic, evidenced based scientifically proven method for learning, such as Orton Guillingham or Wilson method.
Hi Jessica-
I am not a doctor, but it sounds as if your son my be dyslexic. Maybe you should mention that to your doctor and see what he says. It's usually hard to diagnose, but I would mention it. It could also be the reason why his schoolwork is suffering and why the doctor thinks it may be ADHD.
Hope this helps-
Karen
Sounds like dyslexia. But you should not have to pay anything to get him diagnosed. You still need to push the school to help you but the help is absolutely there. You need to get on this before he goes to high school because then it will be even harder for him to succeed in school. There are state programs put into place in addition to nonprofit organizations. Here is a website that might help: http://www.ldanys.org/index.php?s=4&b=11&p=7
It sounds like dyslexia to me too, but I wanted to share another idea with you. My 4yo daughter was recently diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. It's kind of an "under the radar" disorder, because the "symptoms" can vary widely from child to child and even from hour to hour for the SAME child. And many times children are diagnosed with other things, only to find (sometimes years later) that those other things were actually symptoms of SPD. My daughter's symptoms don't resemble ADHD in the least, but many SPD symptoms look EXACTLY like ADHD. It has occurred to me that many of the ADHD kids out there who are not responding to ADHD treatment may actually be SPD or a combo of SPD and ADHD (I hate acronyms, but they do speed things along!). And SPD definitely affects all learning, so dyslexia can be a sideshoot of SPD.
So maybe you would like to review a checklist of SPD symptoms - try www.sensory-processing-disorder.com. Whatever your son's issues, take heart in knowing you are doing a great job to help him. You are your child's best (and sometimes ONLY) advocate. I wish you luck in helping your son.
Having been through this with my daughter for 3 years I sympathize. We finally had the school test her-which costs nothing to you and had her doctor evaluate her and work with the school. They both said she is ADHD and has a processing disorder. With that information we were able to get her what they call an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) thru special education . It allows her to her have notes written for her instead of her taking them, extra test time, modified home work assignments, and tutoring if needed. The school did not want to do anything at first but I fought and fought. Finally it came to me telling them "it is YOUR job to make sure my daughter gets an education and either you are going to do it or I will get a lawyer and you will still have to do it. How would you like to handle this?". It worked. Since then school is easier for her to manage and she is happier. I wish you luck.
Dona
You stated that your son is on medication for ADHD - have you tried other medications to see if that could be the problem? Some medications do not work as well as others - unfortunately - its trial and error with the medications for ADD/ADHD. The doctors have no way of knowing how the person is going to react/not react when on a specific medication to treat this 'disorder'.
I would see about getting your son to see a neurologist who specializes in children with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities.
In my opinion - for a doctor to just 'dismiss' you and state that your child has an 'undiagnosed learing disorder' is a bit peculiar and unprofessional. Also - how would this doctor know what kind of financial situation you are in to state that it would be costly? FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR!
My daughter was diagnosed with ADD/Bipolar disorder when she was 7 - she's now a senior in high school - and we've got her on the right 'combination' of medications to help her. We've tried Adderall , Strattera, and Concerta on her - and almost tried Vyanese - but found that the Adderall XR worked best for her.
We have been going through the same type of thing with my son. In fact we just met with a psychologist who will be doing the learning disability and ADD/ADHD testing. Before I go on, let me just tell you there are probably many who disagree with what I will say, but I have read, seen and spoken to enough doctors in the last few months that I am confident in my post.
Here is the summary of what I found out.
First, ADD and ADHD are (according to the psychologist) misdiagnosed about half the time and many of the kids who are diagnosed correctly can be treated w/o meds by changing discipline (in some cases it is simply a discipline problem and others it truly is AD(H)D who need a different approach). Many other kids are helped if not "cured" by using the Fiengold System or another similar diet. The cause of the behavior problem being a food sensitivity or allergy.
Secondly, of the children who are misdiagnosed, most of them have an Auditory processing disorder of some type.
Third, a visual processing problem can also cause a lack of focus or attention. It also causes letter reversals and an problems with organizing.
We have learned that it is important to have our child tested by the 3 different specialists (Visual Therapist - look for the letters FCOVD at the end of their name/title), Audiologist and Psychologist). Because Auditory and Visual processing disorders can cause a lack of focus & what appears to be a short attention span, having just the AD(H)D testing without knowing he had those other problems could result in a misdiagnosis. In our case, the psychologist is aware of the visual and auditory processing problems and can adjust her testing accordingly.
As far as paying for it all, well, a lot of that depends on your insurance and your school district. We are having it done through our insurance, which covers any "medical testing". So that means we can have him tested for AD(H)D and being tested for learning disabilities is included with the AD(H)D testing. However he cannot be tested for learning disabilities alone, unless we pay for that on our own. Our insurance did cover the Audiologist but not the Visual Therapist. If your school said they didn't want to test him I would raise hell by calling the district office and anybody else who will listen. That is their responsibility, why they probably employ a psychologist and part of why you pay school taxes!
Our public schools missed all of this in my son, but fortunately, his father and I knew there was something going on. (Which is one of the many reasons he is now home schooled). I called his pediatrician, told him that I suspected an Auditory and a Visual processing problem and he referred us to specialists. Turns out he does have both Auditory and Visual processing problems.
Please let me know if you want more info (there is so much more!), I will be happy to look for links or other info that I could e-mail to you directly.
Hi There,
I am an Occupational Therapist who has worked mostly with children who have special needs including Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders and ADHD, as well as children who have a variety of visual motor, visual perceptual and fine motor difficulties. The fact that your child has problems with letter reversals and writing makes it sound like he may have Dyslexia or some form of Visual Motor or Visual Processing problems. Has he ever been evaluated by an Occupational Therapist?? Many children have Visual Perceptual, or Visual Motor difficulties that can be treated by an Occupational Therapist at school. Children who are evaluated by a specialist and qualify (according to the therapist findings) for therapy services, are by law given therapy during the school day. The OT will help to make adaptations to make learning/writing easier and help the child find strategies to maintain focus. Check with your child's school to see if he can be evaluated. If your child does not require Occupational Therapy, they may be able to point you in another direction so your child can find the help he needs to succeed to his potential.
I have two sons both w/ADD. I ran the gamit - behavior modification, set routine, tried changing their diets. Some ideas worked better than others and we still have them in place, however my son's psychologist did a number of tests, including an IQ test. Each test was run twice once on his ADD meds and once off. I have to say there was a profound difference in his level of consentration and it demonstrated to me that he really needs his meds to focus and be more productive in school.
My second son had an additional "undiagnosed" learning disability. First we ruled out audio and visual, we then set up an appt for a neurologist and he was tested for dyslexia (as that is where the previous testing had lead the evaluators). We were lucky that our insurance covered the entire cost, most don't.
Also as you indicated it is a lot of leg work. Looking into different areas, researching alternatives, eliminating perspective areas of concern. I did all this and then went to all the appts. By the time he started 4th grade he was diagnosed as dyslexic. However even though we had a diagnosis he was still severely behind in reading and writing. I was fortunate and had him enrolled in a program at our local university that was conducted by graduate students. Although our school district did pick up the cost again, it was a lot of running for me.
I made the time now to get this done! I spent one day a week for several weeks at a seminar regarding the disability act, laws and what programs were available for my son. It a lot of work, but it is so rewarding to see him hitting new levels w/reading and doing so much better really boosts his self esteem. I am not sure what area you are in but if there is a diagnosed disability that entitles your child to additional services through your school district. I am fortunate that the university program gave me a very formal report w/suggestions for what ongoing support he needs to be successful in these areas. I then took that to meet w/the CSE(committe on special education) and had it implemented into his IEP (individual education plan).
If you need help in this regard there are very often child advocates or organizations that can help you with these areas. I used the disabilities association of western new york. Their services are free and to my knowledge they have offices in other areas of new york. They not only offered the seminar to educate parents, they also will help guide you through the steps to get your child diagnosed and attend with you meetings w/the school to ensure your child gets the appropriate services.
In the event you want contact information let me know and I would be happy to get it out for you. Best of luck.